Social competence of people with epilepsy: a new methodological approach

A new multivariate method, a stepwise cumulative regression analysis, which allows a polychotomous outcome variable was used to analyse a representative population sample of children with epilepsy as adults, after a follow-up of 30 years from onset of seizures. On follow-up, 63% of subjects had been in terminal remission for > or = 3 years and 48% were both seizure-free and off medication. More than a half (58%) felt completely independent in daily activities and almost as many (57%) were successfully employed. Good communication ability, good intelligence and seizure freedom were significant predictors of a good social competence.